ARCHEPARCHY BIDS FAREWELL TO BELOVED PROTODEACON

September 23, 2017

THE ARCHEPARCHY OF WINNIPEG BIDS FAREWELL TO PROTODEACON MICHAEL WOROBY

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Protodeacon Michael Woroby. He lived a life of love and faithfulness to the Lord and his family, all while possessing a quiet strength.

He was pre-deceased by his wife of 72 years, Olha Woroby; parents, Maria and Wasyl Woroby (Budzan), infant sister, Christine, parents-in-law, Roman and Wasylyna Kalyniuk (Rudyk); brothers-in-law Hnat, his wife Katherine, and William and his wife Lydia; sister-in-law, Stephanie; and relatives in Ukraine.

Dad was born in St. Claude on November 11,1921 and moved to Winnipeg in 1927. He attended St. Nicholas School, which is now Immaculate Heart of Mary School, from kindergarten to grade 11 and St. Paul's High School, completing grade 12.

He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in October of 1942 and served for 33 months. It was during this time, on January 7, 1945, that he married Olha Kalyniuk during his Ukrainian Christmas break.

After the war, Dad continued his education, attending the University of Manitoba, obtaining a B.A. and later a Bachelor of Education. He then taught grades 5 and 6 in several schools within the Winnipeg School Division No.1 from 1951-1987. He was also vice principal of night school at St. John's High School Adult Education program for 13 years.

Throughout his teaching career, Dad assisted several churches in the community. He was cantor and choir director of Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church for two years and cantor at St. Josaphat's Ukrainian Catholic Church for 25 years.

After his retirement from the school division, Dad embraced his true calling, and was ordained as a deacon in December of 1987 by His Grace Metropolitan Maxim Hermaniuk, CSsR. He served for 22 years as a deacon at Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Cathedral and was elevated to protodeacon in June 2002.

An extremely important aspect of his life was the Ukrainian Catholic Church and Ukrainian culture. He was a lifelong member of Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Cathedral and was instrumental in the following aspects of the church: he helped to organize the Boy Scout troop, taught Ridna Shkola Saturday mornings, was a member of the children's choir, and in his adult years, the senior choir, and of course served as a deacon and later protodeacon.

Within the community, Dad served on the committee for Ukrainian language curriculum for the Manitoba Department of Education, president of the Ukrainian Mutual Benefit Association, president of the Ukrainian Chapter of Modern Language Association and numerous committees, councils and delegations. It was also well known to many that our Dad and Gigi had a deep love of singing and used his magnificent voice within the O. Koshetz Choir for many years and as a member of the Millennium Choir. Christmas dinners were always followed by singing around the dining room table with the "malei kolyadnek" and then by welcoming carollers into their home.

Dad treasured his family, his Ukrainian traditions, his home library, travelling the world, reading, writing, and teaching his culture. He loved ginger, most especially chocolate ginger, and all cats.

The family would like to thank the 5th floor staff at St. Boniface Hospital, and most especially the staff of St. Michael's Ward at Holy Family Home, Dr. Terry Babick, and Dr. Andrea Babick for their compassionate care. We thank all family and friends who have supported us during this difficult time.

Parastas was prayed on Friday September 22nd at 7:00 p.m., with Metropolitan Lawrence presiding. He was joined by eleven priests and deacons. Monsignor Michael Buyachok delivered the eulogy. A very touching moment occurred when the deacons in attendance joined Fr. Buyachok in accompanying their brother-deacon Michael Woroby's coffin into the church and then escorting him out at the close of the services. Those in attendance gathered with Protodeacon Woroby's family in the parish hall for a reception, to offer condolences and support and share memories and stories.

The Hierarchical Funeral Divine Liturgy will be offered on Saturday, September 23rd at 10:00 a.m. The Funeral Liturgy will also be celebrated and led by His Grace Metropolitan Lawrence Huculak, OSBM, and the rector of the Cathedral Rt. Rev. Mitred Archpriest Monsignor Michael Buyachok and the clergy of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy, at Sts.Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, 115 McGregor Street.